Chapter 10 - THE PATERNITY TESTDerek wanted prenatal DNA testing.
Not invasive amniocentesis.
A noninvasive prenatal paternity test using my blood and his cheek sample.
I refused the first company he found.
Rachel researched accreditation and chain-of-custody issues.
We eventually agreed on a laboratory that documented identity and witnessed sample collection.
I hated the entire process.
Not because I feared the result.
Because I resented having to use my blood to disprove an accusation that had been medically foolish from the beginning.
Dr. Evans said:
“You’re allowed to say no.”
“I know.”
“Then why do it?”
“Because I want this question dead before she’s born.”
The result came nine days later.
Probability of paternity:
greater than 99.999%.
Derek was the biological father.
I sat in Rachel’s office holding the report.
She asked:
“How do you feel?”
“Nothing.”
That was not true.
Vindicated.
Furious.
Relieved.
Grieving.
Vindication is not happiness.
It simply means one person was wrong in a way that caused damage.
Derek received the same report through counsel.
He called that evening.
I let it ring twice.
Then answered.
“Sarah.”
I waited.
“I’m sorry.”
“For which part?”
“All of it.”
“Be specific.”
Silence.
He said:
“I accused you of cheating.”
“Yes.”
“I left.”
“Yes.”
“I told my family.”
“Yes.”
“I brought Jessica to your ultrasound.”
“Yes.”
His voice broke.
“I’m sorry.”
I believed he meant it.
May you like
I did not forgive him.
Both could be true.
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